Jalea’s Medical Bills

My name is Erin and I have owned Jalea since she was 4 years old. She will be 19 in May. At the end of December, she was brought in from the pasture by the boarding facility not wanting to put weight on her right hind. Rocky Mountain Equine Clinic came out to do X-rays but could not find any fractures. Jalea was placed in a kimzey splint to help her be more comfortable while we waited for our appointment with Littleton Equine Medical Center in Littleton, CO. On January 11 Jalea had an ultrasound done and it was determined she had a superficial digital flexor tendon injury, torn scutum and traumatic dorsal subluxation of her right hind pastern joint. She needed to have pastern arthrodesis surgery which was performed on January 15. Jalea was placed in a cast and required hospitalization until her first cast change and suture removal. She was finally discharged on January 30 and was transported to Elite Equine Rehab in Colorado Springs, CO. Jalea has to be on strict stall rest for 30 days. Then she will progress to 5 minute hand walking. And each month progress further. The vets prognosis for returning to full activity (meaning she can be ridden) is unknown - my sincere hope is that Jalea will recover enough to be pain free to be a pasture friend to other horses where she can essentially be retired and receive lots of love an attention.

Pre- surgery, Jaleas medical bills were over $3,000. Her bill from Littleton Equine was $10,614.63. Her rehab facility is over $1,700 per month (and she will likely be there 6+ months). She will still require several vet appointments for her cast removal and X-rays as well as potentially needing special shoes. Jalea’s insurance has paid $1,000 so far and I have paid $5,000. This injury (along with some of my other pets injuries in the past few years) have essentially drained my savings. I was able to get CareCredit but I am worried with her monthly rehab bills I will not be able to pay it off. Which is why I am asking for help.

Any help is very appreciated, no matter how small. It all helps. Thank you for reading Jalea’s story.

UPDATE: Adjusted amount needed to $3,000 which is the balance after insurance.